Italy's Salvini calls for return to Russian gas

Italian Deputy PM Matteo Salvini has called for Europe to resume buying Russian gas to prevent an 'energy lockdown' as EU imports surge.

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3 verified

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Updated

Saturday, 18 April 2026 at 23:35 UTC

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Synthesis · 3 sources

Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini has called for Italy and Europe to resume importing Russian natural gas to prevent what he termed an 'energy lockdown.' Speaking at a Patriots for Europe rally in Milan, Salvini stated, 'Rather than closing factories, schools and hospitals, let's go back to buying gas and oil from around the world, Russia included. We are not at war with Russia.' His call comes as Europe's dependence on Russian LNG deepens, with the EU taking 97% of available cargoes from Russia's Yamal LNG project in Q1 2026, a 17% year-on-year increase costing an estimated €2.88 billion.

Updates · 2

18 AprDD Geopolitics

Added new data on EU LNG imports from Russia in Q1 2026 and Salvini's specific rally location.

19 AprFrente Militar y Geopolítico

The message adds new data on EU LNG imports, citing a Financial Times report that in Q1 2026, the EU took 97% of cargoes from Russia's Yamal LNG project, a 17% year-on-year increase to 5 million tonnes costing €2.88 billion.

e/eineurope · topic · T-01117cycle Saturday, 18 April 2026 at 23:35 UTC · first reported 18 Apr